10 U.S. Destinations Every Photographer Needs to Visit in Their Lifetime

There are countless incredible places spread throughout our planet. Iconic and beautiful locations full of natural beauty and wild energy that are just waiting to be explored and photographed. I’m constantly on the search for where I want to travel next with my camera but I’m often overwhelmed by the sheer number of options on the table.

As nature photographers, with our insatiable passion for capturing the sublime beauty of the world, we’re constantly seeking destinations that provide breathtaking landscapes and beautiful wildlife subjects. We’re constantly searching for that next best place that we’ve never been to.

In today’s guide, we’ll help narrow your list of options down. We’ll unveil 10 top-notch photography destinations in the United States that stand out as must-visit locations for avid nature photographers of all backgrounds. From the snowcapped mountains and rugged wildlife of Alaska to the desolate stone formations and crystal-clear night skies of the desert southwest, each destination offers a distinct and awe-inspiring experience.

So, with that being said, let’s get right into it. Here are 10 destinations in the U.S. that you should add to your shortlist if you haven’t already.

Joshua Tree National Park: An Oasis for Landscape and Astro Photographers 

Nestled in the arid landscapes of Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for landscape photographers. The park's iconic Joshua Trees and mountains of boulders create a surreal setting, especially during sunrise, sunset, and of course the golden hour. Joshua Tree National Park houses truly unique and enveloping landscapes that will inspire your creativity.

However, what truly sets Joshua Tree apart in my mind is its celestial wonders. With minimal light pollution and crystal-clear dry air, the night sky comes alive, making it an unparalleled destination for astrophotography. Photographers can capture the Milky Way stretching across the desert canvas, creating images that transcend reality.

If you’d like to photograph countless stars In a surreal desert environment then be sure to check out our Night Skies of Joshua Tree Photography Workshop!

Interior Alaska: Where Wildlife and Landscapes Converge

For those seeking a raw and untamed photographic experience, the interior of Alaska beckons. Here photographers can discover the true meaning of wilderness and can travel back in time to a place untouched by the hand of man.

Places like Denali National Park offer vast expanses of untouched wilderness and towering peaks, providing a stunning setting for landscape and wildlife photography. Meanwhile, Fairbanks, with its position under the auroral oval, offers prime opportunities for capturing the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights, making it a dream destination for night sky enthusiasts.

If you’d like to explore many iconic destinations throughout the interior of the state then check out our Interior Alaska Workshop and if you’d like to photograph the truly remarkable Northern Lights in one of the best locations on earth then be sure to check out our Ultimate Northern Lights trips!

The Redwood Forests of Coastal Northern California: Towers of Majesty

The towering giants of the Redwood forests in coastal Northern California are a spectacle to behold. As the tallest trees on Earth, these ancient sentinels create an otherworldly atmosphere. Nature photographers can explore the interplay of light and shadow among the colossal trunks, while also enjoying the proximity to the stunning coastal areas for additional photographic opportunities. It's a unique blend of primeval forests and coastal seascapes that beckons the lens.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself then be sure to Check out The Redwoods of California workshop with BCJ!

Coastal Alaska: A Marine Wildlife Wonderland

Of course, there are many incredible places for nature photography throughout Alaska but one that’s sometimes overlooked is the sea. Venturing into the waters of Coastal Alaska opens a realm of marine wildlife photography possibilities. From capturing breaching humpback whales to majestic orcas and playful sea otters, the coastal waters offer a visual feast for wildlife photographers. Boat excursions become floating studios, allowing photographers to freeze moments of marine magic against the backdrop of Alaska's pristine landscapes.

If you’d like to get out on the water and photograph marine wildlife, then check out our Marine Wildlife of Alaska photography workshop!

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem: Where Wildlife Roams Free

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks form the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a paradise for both wildlife and landscape photographers. Bison roam freely across expansive meadows, while geysers and hot springs create a surreal backdrop. Towering jagged peaks rise up from the valleys below and rivers carve the iconic landscape in this biodiversity hotspot. The iconic landscapes and diverse wildlife, including wolves and grizzlies, make this region a playground for photographers seeking untamed beauty in all its shapes and forms.

If you’d like to explore this region with your camera then be sure to check out our trips in the Rocky Mountain Region! We have several trips visiting Yellowstone, the Tetons, or both.

Great Smoky Mountains: A Symphony of Nature

The Great Smoky Mountains, draped in mist and cloaked in verdant foliage, offer a visual feast for nature landscape and wildlife photographers alike. From panoramic landscapes of layered mountains to intimate shots of wildlife, this popular national park really has it all. Whether you’re photographing elk or black bears surrounded by lush green foliage or a seemingly endless expanse of blue ridge mountains, you won’t be disappointed with the Great Smoky Mountains.

In my opinion, one of the absolute best times to visit is during the spring when animals are active, water is flowing, and plants are bursting with life. Springtime brings the added allure of cascading waterfalls, providing photographers with the perfect subject to hone their skills in capturing the movement and grace of water in its natural form.

If you’d like to level up your waterfall photography knowledge and skills then join us for our Ethereal Waterfalls Workshop! 

Alaska's Kenai Peninsula: Brown Bear Paradise

The Kenai Peninsula of Alaska offers a front-row seat to the spectacular life cycle of brown bears. This region is home to the highest density of brown bears anywhere on earth and the bears are often quite healthy and large.
At iconic locations like Brooks Falls, photographers can witness these majestic creatures catching salmon as they leap up waterfalls. The intimate encounters with brown bears against the backdrop of Alaska's stunning landscapes create a narrative that only a few destinations can match.

If you’d like to photograph powerful brown bears in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness then check out our many Brown Bear trips!

Glacier National Park: A Nature Photographer's Playground

With its pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife Glacier National Park in Montana is a jackpot for nature photographers. From capturing the reflection of snow-capped peaks in crystal-clear lakes to photographing elusive wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears, the park offers diverse opportunities.

On top of that, superb hiking trails spread throughout the park allow photographers to explore Glaciers' hidden gems and capture scenes of unspoiled natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking to an alpine lake or through a dense pine forest you won’t regret a trip to Glacier National Park!

If you’ve been dreaming of photographing the crown of the continent, then be sure to check out our trips in Glacier! I would specifically recommend our hiking trips so that you can get off the beaten path and escape the crowds!

Vermont: A Tapestry of Autumn Hues

Vermont, particularly in and around the Burlington area, transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors during the fall season. Nature photographers flock to capture the golden, red, yellow, and orange hues that blanket the entire landscape. The juxtaposition of quaint villages, rustic barns, and rolling hills bathed in autumnal splendor provides a captivating subject for any photographer seeking the quintessential fall experience.

If you’re a fellow leaf peeper and want to capture this colorful beauty for yourself then join us on our Vermont Fall Colors photography workshop!

The Grand Canyon: Nature's Epic Masterpiece

And last but certainly not least is the big ditch. No list of nature photography destinations is complete without the iconic Grand Canyon. The sheer grandeur of this massive desert canyon, with its ever-changing play of light and shadow, makes it a timeless subject. Photographers can explore the canyon's depths, capturing its mesmerizing layers and unique rock formations. The Grand Canyon is a true geologic wonder and a phenome landscape setting that can be captured from endless perspectives. I specifically recommend that photographers visit either during the Monsoons when you can capture massive storm systems and lighting or in the autumn when golden hues cover the landscape, offering the chance to witness and immortalize the canyon in different moods.

If you’d like to visit the Grand Canyon and travel to the best photography locations on both the North and South Rim, then check out both our Southwest Monsoon and Autumn in Grand Canyon trips!

Conclusion

As nature photographers, the allure of these 10 destinations lies not only in their visual splendor but also in the unique experiences they offer. From the celestial wonders of Joshua Tree to the marine spectacles of Coastal Alaska, each destination beckons with its own charm. So, pack your camera gear, embark on a photographic odyssey, and let these U.S. wonders fuel your passion for capturing the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. Your next great shot awaits!